"A Boy Called Slow": by Joseph Bruchac (author), Rocco Baviera (illustrator)

A Boy Called Slow by Joseph Bruchac, illustrated by Rocco Baviera, tells the true story of the boy who would grow up to become the great Lakota leader Sitting Bull. As a child, he was called Slow because he did everything carefully and deliberately. He was never in a hurry. But Slow was patient, thoughtful, and determined to earn a name worthy of his courage.

Bruchac tells this story with quiet strength, and Baviera’s glowing, earth-toned paintings give it a sense of place and dignity that young readers will linger over. It’s a wonderful way to introduce children to Lakota culture and to the idea that being thoughtful is its own kind of strength.

This Scholastic paperback is in acceptable condition. There’s a library-style sticker on the front cover, but the pages are clean, and the story is just as powerful.

It’s a great choice for classrooms, homeschoolers, and curious young readers.